The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is 82.45% complete as of April. Track installation from Maran to Kota Bharu is finished ahead of schedule, with the next section to Bentong starting this month. Station construction is on track for completion by Q2 2026. Eleven six-car EMU trains and twelve E-Loco sets for cargo, manufactured by CRRC Dalian, will be used, with the first sets arriving by year-end. The ECRL is expected to begin commercial operation in January 2027, offering a four-hour journey from Kota Baru to Gombak. ECRL Operation has been established to manage operations and maintenance, aiming to create around 1,800 jobs.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is offering a flat rate RM150 discount on traffic summonses (saman) at the Program Madani Rakyat Tahun 2025 Sabah event in Tawau from May 9-11. The discount applies to AWAS summonses (from October 2018 onwards), Notis 114 (2024 and older), and Notis 115/P23 (2024 and older). The event also features a free helmet exchange program (limited to 3,000 helmets), JPJeID and MyJPJ registration, license and road tax renewal, and road safety advocacy.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) introduces the Tiguan Allspace Wolfsburg Edition in Elegance and R-Line 4Motion variants. These special editions offer introductory pricing with significant discounts compared to regular models. The Elegance Wolfsburg Edition starts at RM180,990 (RRP after discount), while the R-Line 4Motion Wolfsburg Edition is priced from RM243,990 (RRP after discount). Enhancements include a Wolfsburg crest and an improved Volkswagen Assurance Package with a seven-year/105,000 km maintenance package.
Honda Malaysia is running a "Mid Year Big Vibes" promotion for May 2025, offering discounts of up to RM8,000 on various CKD models, including the recently facelifted Civic. Discounts vary by model and trim level. The City sedan has discounts ranging from RM2,000 to RM6,000, while the City Hatchback offers RM4,000 off most variants. The WR-V has a RM4,000 discount across the range. The HR-V, CR-V, and Civic also have significant discounts. The promotion applies to vehicles registered before May 31, 2025.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) launched the Golf GTI Black Edition. Priced at RM246,490 (RM247,512 OTR) with a standard warranty or RM258,990 (RM260,012 OTR) with the VAP, it features black 18-inch "Richmond" wheels, "Black" branding, and tinted windows. An introductory discount of RM15,000 brings the price down to RM243,990 (RM245,012 OTR). Interior additions include branded floor mats and a front and rear dash cam. Available in Kings Red or Deep Black.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) launched the Arteon R-Line 4Motion Wolfsburg Edition, a special edition debuting at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025. Priced at RM304,990 (RRP), it's RM5,000 more than the standard Arteon but includes a more comprehensive Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) with a 7-year/105,000 km maintenance package. An introductory offer discounts the price to RM264,990 (RRP). Exclusive features include Wolfsburg badging, branded tyre valve caps, a dashcam, illuminated door sills, and a cargo management system.
Motorcyclists account for 70% of Malaysia's annual 6,000 road fatalities, but a VTAREC study reveals they cause only 13% of accidents. Cars are responsible for 67% of accidents, highlighting the need for improved driver awareness and defensive driving education. The study emphasizes the alarming statistic of one motorist death every 80 minutes, primarily due to human error. VTAREC launched a 2025 public awareness campaign addressing vehicle theft and road accidents.
A newborn baby, wrapped in dirty batik cloth and covered in ants, was discovered at a house in Felda Redong, Segamat, Malaysia. The homeowner, in his 60s, reported hearing the baby's cries around 7:45 am. Police chief Supt. Ahmad Zamry Marinsah confirmed the incident and investigations are underway.
Proton sold 12,692 vehicles in April 2025, a 14.7% year-on-year increase, achieving a projected 20.8% market share. The eMas 7 remains Malaysia's top-selling EV with 863 units sold, contributing to 6% of Proton's total sales. The X50 regained its B-SUV segment lead with 2,389 units sold. Strong performances were also recorded for the S70 (C-segment sedan leader), X90 (D-SUV leader), and Saga. Exports reached a 2025 high of 520 units, including the X50, Saga, and eMas 7, with the latter previewed in Singapore and the X70 launched in Bangladesh.
Melaka police are investigating a YouTuber who allegedly rode a modified, roofed micromobility vehicle on the AMJ highway with two passengers. The incident, captured in a TikTok video, shows the vehicle being filmed by a motorbike registered to the YouTuber. While micromobility vehicles are prohibited on public roads, the YouTuber, currently in Sabah, will provide a statement to police upon his return on May 17. He faces potential fines and imprisonment under the Road Transport Act 1987.
The GR86 Cup one-make racing series is coming to Malaysia in 2025, hosted by Haro Sports & Entertainment. The inaugural season will feature three rounds at the Sepang International Circuit, starting as a support event for the 2025 Super GT series. Thirty track-only Toyota GR86 Cup cars, priced at RM208,315 each, will be imported from Japan. These cars feature a 227 hp 2.4L boxer engine, six-speed manual transmission, upgraded brakes and suspension, and Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS tires.
Jaecoo Malaysia has launched a Professional Affiliates Programme (PAP) offering discounts on the Jaecoo J7 (AWD, 2WD, and PHEV) to members of professional bodies, employees of registered companies, and even content creators recognized as brand ambassadors. The program also extends to their immediate family members. Interested individuals can visit a Jaecoo showroom with the necessary documentation to verify eligibility. Besides vehicle discounts, new owners become part of the J-Club community with access to social activities.
Malaysia's Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council (VTAREC) estimates thousands of vehicles are uninsured. A 2023 study of 740,000 accidents revealed only 40% had insurance claims, suggesting many drivers lack coverage. While some may avoid claims to preserve no-claims discounts, VTAREC emphasizes the importance of insurance for vehicle damage and victim compensation. In 2024, accident claims decreased by 11% compared to 2023, with the majority involving cars.
Ekovest has received Malaysian government approval for the Laluan Istana-Kiara Expressway (LIKE) and Kampung Baru Link Expressway (KBL) projects. These projects, part of Ekovest's highway expansion plan, were approved on Monday. The concession agreement for LIKE will be signed after legal clearance. KBL's key terms will be finalized by December 31, 2026. First proposed in 2017, the combined projects are estimated to cost RM6.32 billion and aim to improve connectivity within and around Kuala Lumpur.
Volkswagen Malaysia will unveil 'Special Edition' models, including a Golf GTI, at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 starting May 9th at MAEPS Serdang. The GTI SE features a blacked-out aesthetic with GTI-branded tyre valve caps and 18-inch 'Richmond' dark alloy wheels. The Tiguan and Arteon may also receive special editions. The standard Mk8 Golf GTI currently retails for RM254,012.
The Perodua Myvi topped the list of vehicles most frequently involved in accidents in Malaysia in 2024, with 24,628 insurance claims, according to VTAREC. The Proton Saga and Honda City followed with 16,159 and 13,388 claims respectively. Other vehicles in the top ten included the Perodua Axia, Toyota Vios, Perodua Bezza, Perodua Alza, Proton Persona, Toyota Hilux, and Honda Civic. The Yamaha 135LC and Y15ZR were the motorcycles most frequently involved in accidents. A total of 266,716 accidents were recorded nationwide, with car accidents comprising the majority.
Malaysian lawmakers have urged the government to postpone the planned rationalisation of RON 95 fuel subsidies and electricity tariff increases due to global economic uncertainty. Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng argued that these fiscal measures could burden consumers and weaken business sentiment. While the government plans to introduce targeted RON 95 subsidies mid-year, the implementation mechanism, potentially a two-tier pricing system based on MyKad, remains unclear.
Selangor police arrested four men aged 25-40, believed to be part of the "Along Jap" gang, for stealing old vehicles in South Klang and surrounding areas between April 10-30. Active since late last year, the suspects targeted cars like Perodua Kancil, Proton Iswara and Iriz, and motorcycles like Honda EX5 and Yamaha Y15. Police recovered six vehicles, including one car frame, and six motorcycles with one frame. The suspects, with extensive criminal and drug-related records, used the stolen vehicles themselves after changing number plates and parts. Police believe they have solved 17 vehicle theft cases with these arrests.
A TikTok video has highlighted a spate of car battery thefts near the Glenmarie LRT station in Malaysia, prompting warnings for commuters. Limited parking within the Park and Ride facility forces many to park outside, where they become vulnerable to theft. The video creator, who claims to have had his own battery stolen twice, advises parking at neighboring stations. Netizens corroborated the issue, with some reporting other stolen items. Even catalytic converter theft has been reported at the station in the past. The video urges authorities to address the problem.
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is offering a 50% discount on traffic summonses (saman) in Ipoh on May 10th, 2025, from 9 am to 4 pm at Stadium Indera Mulia. This offer is part of a crime prevention exhibition and excludes summonses related to traffic lights, emergency lanes, dangerous overtaking, accidents, court cases, exhaust modifications, heavy vehicles, and Op Selamat. PDRM encourages using the MyBayar PDRM app to check outstanding summonses beforehand.
